Upholstery and Fabrics - Chair upolstering

I have two identical upolstered chairs that need recovered badly, but I don't want to pay someone else to do it. I would like to try this myself. I'm an not a sewer, but can do basics. I thought I'd start with taking all the fabric off and use that as my pattern. One thing I'm afraid of is there are covered buttons on the back, but I guess I could always eliminate them. Before I start this project, anyone have any suggestions or ideas for me???

Thanks in advance!

Stop by your local library for some books on upholstering. Sometimes fabric shops also have books available for sale. When selecting a fabric, make sure you choose one that not only complements your color scheme but also is one that can be easily cleaned and is durable.

Nancy, also check out "upholster.com" which gives detailed steps for the "weekend" upholsterer !!

Originally posted by mskitty
Nancy, also check out "upholster.com" which gives detailed steps for the "weekend" upholsterer !!

Thanks, I'll give it a try!

Go for it...Your on the right track... Be sure to cut every thing over size...As far as your buttons !!! Have your local Upholstery Shop make them up for you. To install them you will need a LONG needle. Tie them in the back with small pieces of cotton. Good luck... Take your time...

Originally posted by phantom1874
Go for it...Your on the right track... Be sure to cut every thing over size...As far as your buttons !!! Have your local Upholstery Shop make them up for you. To install them you will need a LONG needle. Tie them in the back with small pieces of cotton. Good luck... Take your time...

Thanks! I'm about to start taking the first chair apart and plan on purchasing the fabric this week.

Hey Nancy... my husband has been doing upholstery for 30 something years and I have been working with him for on and off for about 12... He has showed me some neat tricks over the years.....
On your chairs if you decide that you don't want the buttons back in them you can take a piece of foam and cut pieces to fit where the buttons once was and then cover over it and you will not be able to tell where the button holes where at....
just make sure that while you are useing the old as a pattern that you cut a little bigger to allow yourself enough for your seams etc...
Make sure that your fabric is an upholstery grade fabric and not a normal fabric ...make sure you get it from an upholstery shop I have seen alot of people do a job like this on thier own and then bring it to us and want to know why the fabric didn't hold up and it was because they put less than an upholstery grade fabric....
Ok , I am sorry it is a habit I tend to go on and on .......

Originally posted by toolwoman63
Hey Nancy... my husband has been doing upholstery for 30 something years and I have been working with him for on and off for about 12... He has showed me some neat tricks over the years.....
On your chairs if you decide that you don't want the buttons back in them you can take a piece of foam and cut pieces to fit where the buttons once was and then cover over it and you will not be able to tell where the button holes where at....
just make sure that while you are useing the old as a pattern that you cut a little bigger to allow yourself enough for your seams etc...
Make sure that your fabric is an upholstery grade fabric and not a normal fabric ...make sure you get it from an upholstery shop I have seen alot of people do a job like this on thier own and then bring it to us and want to know why the fabric didn't hold up and it was because they put less than an upholstery grade fabric....
Ok , I am sorry it is a habit I tend to go on and on .......

Thank you so much for your tips! If you think of anything else, don't hesitate to go on and on and on.......

Nancy